My choices for Atlanta United's men of the match following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Orlando City at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium:
HECTOR VILLALBA
Forward
Why? Filling in for the injured Josef Martinez, Villalba's goal in injury time secured a valuable point for Atlanta United in its final game at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The goal, Villalba’s team-leading 10th this season, was assisted by Miguel Almiron and Yamil Asad.
It was Villalba’s second goal in as many weeks against Orlando City, and his fourth in the past four games.
“The team was really motivated to find that goal because we had a lot of chances especially in the first half. We just kept working on it and we were able to find it in the last minute,” Villalba said.
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BOBBY DODD STADIUM
Home
Why? No one was quite sure what the experience of playing in Bobby Dodd Stadium was going to be like when it was announced as the team's temporary home last October.
It became one of the best places to watch a game in MLS. The team sold out nine consecutive games with an average attendance of more than 46,000, and will leave with a record of 6-2-1.
Atlanta United will move into $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 10 when it hosts FC Dallas.
“It’s been awesome, really one of the most enjoyable stretches of my career, honestly,” veteran midfielder Jeff Larentowicz said. “Coming out onto the field against the Red Bulls was probably one of the coolest experiences of my career. I’m going to miss it. I’m going to miss the grass. I’m going to miss the sun. But, exciting things ahead.”
